Is coughing making you sleep-deprived? Are you finding it difficult to focus on your studies or work because of it? Seems like this cough of yours is ruining your days. So, here we are with some savior natural remedies for cough which might definitely help you get rid of it.
First of all, let’s recognize what exactly a cough is?
Causes of Cough —
Multiple medical conditions can make you cough. Given below are some of its general causes:
You should reach the Doctor
Immediately —
If these symptoms occur then it’s a signal that you should reach the doctor immediately. These are the symptoms which indicate a red flag-
- Swallowing the food is difficult.
- Blood appears in your phlegm
- Uneasiness while breathing.
- Difficulty in speaking
- A sensation of being choked
- Weight loss or regular night sweats
- High fever
- Unbearable cramps and body pain
- Severe headache
In 2-3 Days —
These symptoms are the signals that you need to take an appointment from the doctor for a check-up scheduled in 2-3 days. You cannot afford any carelessness after they start appearing.
- Wheezing begins
- Notice yellow or green phlegm
- Mild Fever (100° F or above)
- Continued body pain
- Continued headache
11 Natural Remedies for Cough —
Nature provides us with multiple miraculous ways to treat our ailment. Entire Ayurveda is based on the amazing secrets of healthcare which nature carries with itself. Here, we are bringing forward 11 proven, easy to apply and highly effective natural remedies for cough –
1. Honey
Many kinds of research and studies endorse the magical effect of honey on the cough. Follow the steps given below to extract its optimum benefits –
Step 1: Heat water to make it lukewarm.
Step 2: Add 2 teaspoons of honey into it.
Step 3: Mix it well.
Note:
- Not for kids below the age of 1 year.
- You may use herbal tea instead of lukewarm water.
- Consume this solution twice a day for fast recovery.
2. Thyme
Multiple studies have proved the relieving effect of thyme leaves on coughing problems. Mentioned below are steps for using it –
Step 1: Crush the thyme leaves or purchase crushed thyme leaves.
Step 2: Boil a cup of water.
Step 3: Add thyme leaves into it.
Step 4: Cover the lid.
Step 5: Let it boil for 5 – 6 minutes.
Step 6: Strain off the leaves.
Step 7: Pour it in a teacup and sip it in while it is hot.
Note:
- Consume it twice a day for satisfactory results.
3. Ginger
Ginger is known for having antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. Multiple scientific studies endorse its relieving effect on coughing problems. Follow the steps given below for extracting maximum benefits from it –
Step 1: Take a piece of ginger root.
Step 2: Wash it properly.
Step 3: Peel off its upper layer.
Step 4: Put its small piece in your mouth and chew it for a while.
Note:
- Stop chewing, if it irritates.
- You can add ginger in your tea also.
4. Turmeric
The anti-inflammatory properties of turmeric work wonder and is a great home remedy for cough. Steps for using the turmeric for this purpose is given below –
Step 1: Take a glass of lukewarm milk.
Step 2: Add a teaspoon of turmeric into it.
Step 3: Add a pinch of powdered black pepper.
Step 5: Mix well and drink.
Note:
- Drink this mixture twice a day for fast recovery.
- You may use any other beverage at the place of milk, like tea or warm water.
5. Steam
Breathing steam may bring relief in the case of cough by loosening up the mucous and easing up your breath. Taking steam is a very effective natural remedy for cough. Follow the given steps to do steam breathing at home –
Step 1: Boil some clean water.
Step 2: Pour it in a bowl.
Step 3: Take a fresh towel and cover your head and back along with the bowl of water with it.
Step 4: Breath in and out slowly.
Note:
- You may breathe in the steam for 5 to 10 minutes.
- Keep your face at least 10 – 12 inches away from the hot water.
6. Peppermint
Menthol present in peppermint loosens up the mucous and provides relief in the cough problem. Read the steps given below in order to get the exact idea about how to use it well for this purpose –
Step 1: Boil water in a pot.
Step 2: Add peppermint leaves into it.
Step 3: Cover the pot and allow it to boil further for 5 -6 minutes.
Step 4: Strain the peppermint leaves out of this solution.
Step 5: Sip in this solution slowly.
Note:
- Drink it twice a day for fast results.
- You can also add peppermint in the hot water while taking steam.
7. Salt + Water (Gargle)
It is the simplest and most effective natural remedy for cough. The saltwater is really helpful in reducing mucus and relieving cough. Given below are steps for using it well –
Step 1: Take a glass of water.
Step 2: Add half teaspoon salt into it.
Step 3: Heat it until the salt melts completely.
Step 4: Allow it to cool, up to your mouth’s tolerable limit.
Step 5: Take a sip of it in your mouth.
Step 6: Allow it to sit in the back of your throat for a while.
Step 7: Spit it off.
Step 8: Repeat
Note:
- Gargle twice or thrice a day, for 6 to 7 days.
- Not for young children, as they may swallow this solution which isn’t good for health.
8. Marshmallow Root
Several studies prove that the mucilage present in marshmallow roots soothes the irritation caused by cough. It is an important ingredient of many cough syrups too. Go through the steps given below to harness it’s maximum impact –
Step 1: Boil a cup of water in a pot.
Step 2: Add a teaspoon of crushed marshmallow root into it.
Step 3: Cover the pot and allow it to boil further for 5 -6 minutes.
Step 4: Strain the marshmallow root out of this solution.
Step 5: Sip in this solution slowly.
Note:
- Consume this beverage twice or thrice a day.
- To avoid it from upsetting your stomach, drink some extra fluid with it.
9. Pineapple
Very few people might be knowing that pineapples can also relieve coughing. The anti-inflammatory properties of Bromelain named enzymes present in pineapple are known to loosen the mucus. Follow the steps given below for using it well –
Step 1: Take a glass of pineapple juice.
Step 2: Add a teaspoon of honey into it.
Step 3: Add a pinch of salt and powdered pepper into it.
Step 4: Mix well and consume.
Note:
- Drink 1 glass of this mixture a day.
10. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar has multiple health benefits. One of them is cough relief. Use it according to the steps given below –
Step 1: Take a glass of water.
Step 2: Add 1.5 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar into it.
Step 3: Add 1 tablespoon of honey.
Step 4: Mix it well and consume it.
Note:
- Drink this mixture twice a day.
11. Slippery Elm
The inner bark of slippery elm has antitussive properties that are known for relieving cough. The mucilage present in it loosens the mucus and soothes irritation in the throat. Go through the following steps for using it well –
Step 1: Take a tablespoon of the dried and powdered inner bark of slippery elm.
Step 2: Mix it in a glass of water and consume it.
Note:
- Drink this solution 2 to 3 times a day.
- You can mix it in tea also instead of water.
- You can add some sugar or honey to make it taste better.
Steps for Prevention from Cough —
Prevention is always better than cure. Why let it happen in the first place? Given below are some really effective measures, which if followed properly might protect you from getting a cough:
- In some medical conditions, it’s contagious. Better, avoid contact with anyone already having a cough. Keep washing your hands regularly.
- Keep washing your hands regularly.
- Keep your place cleaned with disinfectants.
- Keep yourself hydrated sufficiently.
- Exercise regularly and get enough sleep to boost up your immunity.
Cough Etiquette —
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions on Natural Remedies of Cough —
1. Is Lemon Good for coughing?
Answer: Yes, Lemon is Good for coughing. You may consume lemon tea or lemon juice mixed with honey for relieving cough.
2. How do I know if my cough is due to Corona virus?
Answer: If your cough is dry and persistent and accompanied by fever, fatigue, or shortness of breath then it is a strong symptom of COVID-19. In that case, you should get checked by a doctor soon.
3. Why is my cough worse at Night?
Answer: Cough becomes worse at night because while sleeping, a person lies flat which causes the mucus to come at the back of the throat. Putting a pillow under the head and elevating it a bit might help in this case.
4. Is it better to cough or suppress?
Answer: Cough should not be suppressed as it is a part of the body’s mechanism to cope up with any throat irritation, infection, or malfunctioning. It is always advisable to either consult a doctor for medications or follow the Natural Remedies for Cough as mentioned above.
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